Combination blanket and cushion incorporated into a decorative pillow and method for deploying

ABSTRACT

A combination blanket and cushion incorporated into a pillow, including a first compartment configured into the pillow for receiving the blanket in a folded configuration and a second compartment for receiving a contoured cushion. Each of the blanket and cushion are configured for storage within a decorative pillow with a zippered perimeter edge. The cushion may be constructed of a soft foam type material, such as to conform to the shape of the user&#39;s neck. Additional features include the pillow exhibiting a first decorative side (such as for displaying atop a sofa), the cushion being inserted within the pillow such that its lump or contoured side is configured to project through a reverse facing side opposite the decorative side. Other features include the blanket further being a wearable poncho with a cutout aperture defined therein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority of U.S. Ser. No. 61/896,231 filed Oct. 28, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a combination blanket and cushion in which each of the blanket and cushion are configured for storage within a decorative pillow with a zippered perimeter edge. In one non-limiting variant, the cushion is constructed of a soft foam type material, such as to conform to the shape of the user's neck. The pillow may further exhibit a first decorative side (such as for displaying atop a sofa). Along with a separate compartment for receiving the folded blanket, the cushion is inserted within the pillow such that its lump or contoured side is configured to project through a reverse facing side opposite the decorative side. The cushion can also be removed from the pillow with or without the blanket and, in either instance, provides cervical spinal support to the underside of the user's neck.

BACKGROUND DISCUSSION OF THE RELEVANT ART

The prior art discloses variations of convertible cushions, pillows and the like. A first example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,879,775 to Iwata, and which discloses a cushion usable as a pillow or a sofa-cushion as well as a bag containing a blanket or the like which can be taken out to cover the user's body and also can be used as a pillow or a sofa-cushion, after the blanket or the like has been taken out. When the blanket or the like is not in use it can easily be kept inside the bag or the cushion to clear up the surroundings, and the cushion with the blanket or the like kept inside is also usable as a cushion as well.

Ong, US 2003/0135926, teaches a combination of a pillowcase and a cover constructed the so that the pillowcase is permanently attached to the central region of the cover and the cover may the folded and stuffed into the pillowcase or alternatively spread out to extend laterally from the pillowcase. The pillowcase is formed of front and rear panels. The front panel is permanently secured to the central region of the cover. The front and rear panels of the pillowcase are permanently secured together along only a portion of a mutually common enclosing perimeter, and are releaseably secured together along the remainder of that perimeter. The orientation of the rear panel is reversible so that it may reside exposed atop the cover with the front panel concealed therebetween when the cover is withdrawn from the pillowcase and spread out laterally therefrom. Alternatively, the rear panel may be reversed in orientation relative to the front panel so that the cover may be folded and stuffed in between the mutually facing reverse surfaces of the front and rear pillowcase panels and encapsulated within the pillowcase by closure of the releaseable fasteners. A zipper may be employed to form the releaseable fasteners on the pillowcase panels.

Smoot, US 2008/0182478, discloses an apparatus for a pillow that converts into a highly-developed, three-dimensional toy figure that, in certain embodiments, has a life-like shape. The apparatus includes a pillow or a hollow body with one or more clasping mechanisms. When engaged, the clasping mechanisms shape the apparatus into the soft, toy figure. When disengaged, the clasping mechanisms allow the apparatus to serve as a pillow with a soft, comfortable, relatively-flat surface for sleeping. Certain embodiments of the apparatus include an internal cavity that houses an extractable blanket to provide additional bedding.

Fulton, U.S. Pat. No. 8,321,978, discloses a child's stuffed pillow and a play item concealable within a pocket in the pillow. Two cushioning members, each including a cushioning medium and having a flexible fabric covering thereover, are attached together as by sewing in a side-by-side arrangement around common perimeter edges of inner covering panels of the coverings. A pocket is formed between the inner covering panels into which a play item is concealable within the pocket. A tether is connected between the bottom of the pocket and the neck of the play item to hold the play item in close proximity to the pocket during play wherein the child may grasp the play item like a handle of the pillow.

McQuoid, US 2008/0216243, discloses a pillow system comprises a pillow having a pocket extending inside the pillow that contains one or more articles having a theme which corresponds to the theme of the outer surface of the pillow. The pillow has a top panel and a bottom panel joined at the periphery to define a peripheral edge and cushioning material disposed inside. The outer surface, having a cover theme, substantially covers one or both of the panels. The pocket extends into and is substantially enclosed by the cushioning material. Access to the pocket is through a pocket inlet along a portion of the peripheral edge. A closure mechanism, such as a zipper, at the inlet substantially closes the pocket to enclose the articles inside. The articles have an article theme that corresponds to the cover theme. If desired, the pillow can also have a theme shape that corresponds to the cover and article themes.

Finally, US 2009/0151077 to Heinsius et al., teaches a pillow which comprises a storage compartment which can be accessed by putting one's arm into a pillow mouth opening generally central to the front side of a pillow. In a preferred embodiment, an opening cover is provided which serves to further conceal the pillow mouth. Preferably, a sash which circumscribes the pillow is employed, and a user may put his or her hand under the sash to access the pillow mouth and the storage compartment to which it leads. The compartment may store any objects and is desirable for storage of items that need to be hidden but readily accessible such as contraceptives, self-defense items, or household objects such as remote controls or keys.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention teaches a combination blanket and cushion incorporated into a pillow, including a first compartment configured into the pillow for receiving the blanket in a folded configuration and a second compartment for receiving a contoured cushion. Each of the blanket and cushion are configured for storage within a decorative pillow with a zippered perimeter edge.

The cushion may be constructed of a soft foam type material, such as to conform to the shape of the user's neck. Additional features include the pillow exhibiting a first decorative side (such as for displaying atop a sofa), the cushion being inserted within the pillow such that its lump or contoured side is configured to project through a reverse facing side opposite the decorative side. Other features include the blanket further being a wearable poncho with a cutout aperture defined therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are plan views of a combination pillow and blanket according to one variant of the present invention and which, in particular reference to FIG. 1A, depicts both the decorative face of the pillow and, in dotted outline, an interior zipper accessible compartment for receiving a folded blanket;

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a series of different pillow designs according to the present inventions;

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a still further series of decorative pillow designs and illustrating the exterior perimeter extending zipper for holding the interior blanket;

FIGS. 4A-4B provide a pair of illustrations associated with a selected pillow configuration and which depicts the zipper revealing each of the blanket receiving compartment and a separately insertable cushion exhibiting a lumped or contoured profile adapted for supporting underneath the user's neck;

FIGS. 5A-5C depict a series of illustrations of the blanket pre and post folded configurations, with FIG. 5D re-presenting FIG. 1A in which the blanket is shown contained in the pillow;

FIG. 6 is an open view of the pillow, such as represented by a three sided edge extending zipper which reveals an unfolded inner face of the pillow including a blanket receiving pocket in a first side and a cushion supporting enclosure in a second side;

FIG. 7 is a back side illustration of the pillow with contained cushion and depicting the pillow with contained cushion in supporting fashion underneath the patient's neck;

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a variation of a blanket in successive folding steps similar to that as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, with FIG. 8D depicting a backside of the pillow in an integrated position;

FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate a poncho style blanket with a head and neck receiving aperture defined therein and illustrating a successive folding protocol for fitting within the pillow, FIGS. 9F and 9G further depicting front and back views of the poncho supported upon a wearer;

FIG. 10 is an environmental view of the pillow design of the present invention such as incorporated into an airline seat configuration;

FIG. 11 is an environmental view of the pillow design according to a further configuration and including the poncho variant in deployed/worn fashion;

FIG. 12 illustrates an environmental view of the pillow construction in each of a pre-deployed (contained) position and a successive blanket and contoured cushion deployed configuration; and

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a butterfly pillow variant with removable cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the following described illustrations, the present invention discloses a combination blanket and cushion which are configured for storage within a decorative pillow with a zippered perimeter edge. As will be described below, the pillow may also include a cushion constructed of a soft foam type material, such as to conform to the shape of the user's neck and, in combination with the separately inserted memory foam cushion and pillow, provides a useful combination article.

In additional variants, and as will be further described below, the pillow containing the cushion and associated fold up blanket or poncho, may further exhibit a first decorative side (such as for displaying atop a sofa). Along with a separate compartment for receiving the folded blanket/poncho, the cushion is inserted within the interior of the pillow such that its lump or contoured side is configured to project through a reverse facing side opposite the decorative side. The cushion can also be removed from the pillow with or without the blanket and, in either instance, provides cervical spinal support to the underside of the user's neck.

It is further understood that one non-limiting variant of the present invention includes the provision of a memory foam constructed cushion having any shape ranging from square to other shapes (butterfly, large tooth shape, etc.). The cushion is provided with each of a pillow case and blanket.

The blanket, as will be further described, can include a poncho style blanket with a fourteen inch straight line opening (such not limited to any specified opening at a fold-over midsection location and which can also include any type of circular, elliptical or oval shaped opening). As will be further described, the pillow case can be configured so that a side edge extending zipper portion can extend along any of a single, dual or other multiple sided fashion, such further envisioning rounded, oval or other shaped pillows not limited to a generally rectangular shape. In this fashion, the zipper is utilized to access the interiorly held blanket (additional variants covering two and three sided unzipping).

Other design features can include the incorporation of a drawstring travel bag. The cushion can further be configured for particular uses not limited to sofa, dorm, office, camp and sleepover applications, and the selected design can also provide effective head and neck support in either of upright or reclined positions.

Given the above, and referring initially to FIG. 1A, a plan view is generally shown at 10 of a combination pillow and blanket according to one variant of the present invention and which depicts both the decorative face of the pillow and, in dotted outline at 12, along with an interior zipper accessible compartment (not shown in this figure) for receiving a folded blanket. FIG. 1B further depicts a reverse facing side 14 of the combination 10 and also separately depicts, at 16, a further smaller sized combination according to the present invention.

Succeeding FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a series of different pillow designs according to the present inventions, these including in non-limiting representation a zebra design 18, flower design 20, and extra design 22. Without limitation, the pillow can have any shape, fabric consistency and depth or other dimension.

FIG. 3A illustrates a pillow design 24 in which a zipper pull tab (at 28 in FIG. 3B) can be actuated to an open position in order to reveal the interiorly supported cushion, see in outline at 26. FIG. 3B again depicts the cushion 24 with side disposed pull handle 28 actuated to separate mesh portions (collectively referenced at 30) and which extend partially or entirely about the perimeter of a cushion exhibiting any number of sides ranging from three (triangular) to infinity (circular). FIG. 3B further illustrates, at 25, a contour aspect associated with the neck supporting function of the pillow with inserted cushion.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a further series of views of the pillow configuration 24, and which depicts the zipper 28 in a fully open configuration, further revealing each of the blanket receiving compartment (see at 44 and referencing the blanket subsequently depicted in FIG. 5) and a separately insertable cushion 34 receiving location (see also FIG. 4B), the cushion exhibiting a lumped or contoured profile adapted for supporting underneath the user's neck. The pillow 24 can also include a separate or native cushioning portion, such being depicted in phantom at 35 which is affixed (or removable) from an inner face of the pillow shown as inside its decorative facing side opposite the cushion inserting side, the native cushioning portion 35 envisioned to provide additional support.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a succession of front, back, side, and expanded zipper illustrations associated with a selected flower pillow configuration, again at 24, and which illustrates the blanket access zipper, again shown by opposing and selectively aligning/engaging seams 30 and associated pull tab 28 which is configured into a selected perimeter edge extending seam (such as along a single side of the pillow as depicted).

The interiorly accessible dimensions of the pillow 24 are such that it can include a separate or integral cushioning portion, apart from an insertable cushion 34, as well as being capable of holding a folded up blanket or poncho (such as at 44 in FIG. 5 or further at 54 in FIG. 9). As further best shown in the back side of FIG. 4B, the cushion 34 (see also in partial phantom outline in FIG. 4A integrated into the zipper accessed interior of the pillow 24) is integrated or inserted into a reverse (non-decorative) face of the pillow.

As previously described, the cushion 34 can exhibit any shape and includes such as a memory foam or other suitable construction. In the variant shown, the cushion 34 again exhibits an undulating upper surface with raised outer portions 36/38 and a central valley portion 40 (such as for supporting the user's neck), as well as a generally flat (pillow interior facing) underside 42.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict a series of illustrations of a blanket 44 (such as again capable of being separately installed in a folded up fashion into the compartment area 32 indicated in the open zipper configuration of the combination pillow/cushion and blanket assembly of FIG. 4A. The blanket is illustrated in both pre and post folded configurations. Specifically, FIGS. 5A-5B depict the blanket 44 fully unfolded, with FIGS. 5B and 5C depicting succeeding folding variations (at 44′ and 44″ respectively) of individual sections of the blanket (e.g. the variant of FIG. 5B being folded up eight times, and in FIG. 5C folded half size or four times), concluding with FIG. 5D re-presenting FIG. 1A in which the blanket (as previously also depicted at 12) is shown contained in the pillow 10.

FIG. 6 is an open view of another variation of a folded pillow (inside pillow opened up view), generally depicted at 46, and such as represented by a three sided edge extending zipper which reveals an unfolded inner face of the pillow including a blanket receiving pocket 48 in a first side and a cushion supporting enclosure 50 exhibited in a second side (such further supporting a cushion as generally depicted in outline at 51). FIG. 7 is an illustration of the pillow 10 of FIG. 1A with contained cushion 34, and also depicting the cushion being removed and subsequently supported underneath the user's neck similar to that previously shown.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a variation of a blanket, such as at 52 in FIG. 10A with opposite fringed edges, and shown in successive folding steps, further at 52′ in FIGS. 8B and 52″ in FIG. 8C, similar to that as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. FIG. 8D depicts a backside of the pillow (such as previously depicted at 16 in FIG. 1B) in an integrated position.

FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate a poncho style blanket, generally at 54 with a cutout aperture at 55 for receiving a head and neck of a wearer. As previously described, the poncho blanket can include any neck cutout shape, not limited to that shown, and such as also including a straight edge cutout or other incised location for fitting the poncho style blanket over the wearer's head.

The poncho 54 substitutes for the blankets (such as previously shown at 44 and 52) in every respect and is illustrates in a successive folding protocol for fitting within any suitable pillow. This includes the poncho in FIG. 9B being folded up eight times (at 54′) and further, in FIG. 9C, being folded half size (at 54″).

FIGS. 9D and 9E depict further folding protocols for folding the blanket up sufficiently for containing within the compartment defined in the zippered pillow (along with the memory foam cushion), and such can include the further folding configuration of FIG. 9D in which the edge frills remain outward (at 54′″) and, finally, in FIG. 9E in which the edge frills are folded inwardly (at 54″″). FIGS. 9F and 9G further respectively depict front and back views of the poncho 54 supported upon a wearer.

FIG. 10 is an environmental view of a further variant 56 of the pillow design (normal size) of the present invention such as incorporated into an airline seat configuration along with a separately provided blanket 60, this in combination with a further smaller sized variant 62 with smaller sized blanket 64. As with the previous embodiments described, the configuration of the pillow is such that the interior holds the cushion along with the blanket.

FIG. 11 is an environmental view of a pillow design 66 according to a further configuration (this including handles or straps 68 associated with the zippered pillow design), and further depicting a wearable poncho variant 70 in deployed/worn fashion.

FIG. 12 provides an environmental view of the pillow construction previously shown at 24 in each of a pre-deployed (blanket and cushion contained) position in which the back side (non-decorative) contour of the cushion is clearly shown. Separately and additionally depicted is a successive environmental view in which the cushion 34 and blanket 44 previously described are deployed from within the pillow.

Finally, FIG. 13 illustrates one non-limiting example of a zippered cover, at 72, such as associated with a memory foam cushion 74 having butterfly shape. Without limitation, the cushion can have any shape, such as again not limited to any of a rectangular, pseudo-tooth or other shape. The cushion designs can widely range or vary such as in order to appeal to children. It is also envisioned that the outer pillow configurations can also be revised to hold any combination of inner cushion or blanket within the scope of the invention.

It is understood that the blanket may comes in many different fabric patterns, plain or colorful, designed material hanging off the ends for extra style. Without limitation, the blanket can be constructed of cotton, wool, polyester, and other fabrics.

As shown and described herein, the blanket easily folds and fits into the zipper entry of the pillow case. As further illustrated the blanket in a poncho variant exhibits a hole or other shaped incision (such as a straight cut) in the top quarter section in the middle, making the blanket cover the almost the entire front of the person's body, while the back only to upper back shoulders is covered. It is also envisioned that different sized blankets can be used with different sized and configured pillows.

The pillow is again understood to be made of a soft foam type material to form and conform to the shape of one's neck, with the contour or lump designed to fit perfectly underneath ones neck, such as to define a lumped roll.

The pillows are further understood to comes in multiple sizes, including a smallest such as in use with an airplane blanket contained in the pillow. Additional features of the airplane pillow include a small fabric handle in the seam of one end of the pillow for easy carry-ability.

Other features of the pillow again include the zipper extending along any number of interconnecting sides of the seam, typically from one to three sides, the pillow including the separate storage compartment for holding the blanket or poncho.

As previously described, and in use, the pillow usually has both a first decorative side (the side where the blanket lays inside), as well as a flip side which exhibits the lump cushion adapted to fit easily under the neck. As further previously described, the decorative side of the pillow is designed to sit on a sofa for design.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A combination blanket and cushion incorporated into a pillow, comprising: a first compartment configured into the pillow for receiving the blanket in a folded configuration; and a second compartment for receiving a contoured cushion.
 2. The invention of claim 1, further comprising each of the blanket and cushion configured for storage within a decorative pillow with a zippered perimeter edge.
 3. The invention of claim 1, further comprising the cushion being constructed of a soft foam type material, such as to conform to the shape of the user's neck.
 4. The invention of claim 1, further comprising the pillow exhibiting a first decorative side.
 5. The invention of claim 4, further comprising said cushion being inserted within the pillow such that its lump or contoured side is configured to project through a reverse facing side opposite the decorative side.
 6. The invention as described in claim 1, said blanket further comprising a wearable poncho with a cutout aperture defined therein.
 7. The invention as described in claim 1, said cushion being constructed of a memory foam material.
 8. The invention as described in claim 1, said cushion having a decorative shape not limited to a butterfly design.
 9. A multi-compartment pillow incorporating a combination blanket and cushion, comprising: a multi-sided body having a zippered portion extending along at least a portion of a peripheral extending edge; said zippered portion being opened to reveal a first compartment configured inside said body or receiving the blanket in a folded configuration; and a second compartment configured inside said body for receiving a contoured cushion.
 10. The pillow of claim 9, further comprising the cushion being constructed of a soft foam type material, such as to conform to the shape of the user's neck.
 11. The pillow of claim 9, further comprising the pillow exhibiting a first decorative side.
 12. The pillow of claim 11, further comprising said cushion being inserted within the pillow such that its lump or contoured side is configured to project through a reverse facing side opposite the decorative side.
 13. The pillow as described in claim 9, said blanket further comprising a wearable poncho with a cutout aperture defined therein.
 14. The pillow as described in claim 9, said cushion being constructed of a memory foam material.
 15. The pillow as described in claim 9, said cushion having a decorative shape not limited to a butterfly design.
 16. A multi-compartment pillow incorporating a combination blanket and cushion, comprising: a multi-sided body having a zippered portion extending along at least a portion of a peripheral extending edge; a first cushioning material fixedly supported inside said body; said zippered portion being opened to reveal a first compartment configured inside said body or receiving the blanket in a folded configuration; and a second compartment configured inside said body for receiving a contoured cushion in addition to said first cushioning material, each of said cushion and blanket being removable from said body through said zippered opening. 